Evaluating Healthcare Professionals’ Perceptions Of The Ist Algorithm In Maternal-Fetal Health Clinic: Usability And Satisfaction

Author

Terri Taylor, Prairie View A&M University

Date of Award

12-2025

Document Type

DNP Project

Degree Name

Doctor of Nursing Practice

Degree Discipline

Nursing Practice

Abstract

Background: Standardizing substance-use screening in perinatal care is essential for optimizing clinical decision-making and promoting equitable patient outcomes. To address gaps, the Integrated Screening Tool (IST) algorithm was introduced in a Maternal–Fetal Medicine (MFM) clinic. However, 2023 data revealed inconsistent utilization. Evaluation Question: This Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) project evaluated: (1) How do nurse practitioners, medical doctors, and registered nurses perceive the usability of the IST algorithm for standardized drug screening in pregnancy? (2) How do these providers rate their satisfaction with the IST algorithm in managing patients with positive drug screens? Methodology: A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 33 MFM healthcare professionals via Qualtrics. Data were collected over a two-week period and analyzed using descriptive statistics in Intellectus Statistics. Findings revealed variability in usability perceptions and satisfaction levels. Results: Many participants found the IST algorithm to be usable, practical, and well-integrated into existing clinical workflows, noting that it enhanced clinical decision-making and patient care. However, reported inconsistencies in its application underscored the need for standardized onboarding and reinforcement of consistent use across clinical practice. Results highlight the need for workflow redesign and education to improve adoption. Conclusion: When applied consistently, the IST algorithm is regarded as a valuable clinical decision-support tool with strong potential to improve standardized perinatal substance-use screening. Implications for Practice: Integrating the IST algorithm into onboarding processes, embedding it within electronic health record (EHR) workflows, and providing ongoing clinician education promote consistent implementation and support equitable, high-quality care for pregnant patients with substance use concerns. Keywords: prenatal, maternal, substance use, drug use, screening, universal decision-making tool, pregnancy complications, provider perception, fetal complication

Committee Chair/Advisor

Sharise Hebert

Committee Member

Chloe Gaines

Committee Member

Vivian Dawkins

Committee Member

Lauren Kalember

Publisher

Prairie View A&M University

Rights

Date of Digitization

12/13/2025

Contributing Institution

J. B . Coleman Library

City of Publication

MIME Type

Application/PDF

Recommended Citation

Taylor, T. (2025). Evaluating Healthcare Professionals’ Perceptions Of The Ist Algorithm In Maternal-Fetal Health Clinic: Usability And Satisfaction. Retrieved from https://digitalcommons.pvamu.edu/dnp-projects/23